Yes! Of course! Love is universal!I work as I live - I aim to be non-judgemental, aim to be self-aware of my privilege and am keen to promote inclusion. As an able-bodied person in a straight-looking relationship, I am aware of my privilege in moving through this world. I’m learning and open to feedback, so please let me know if I say or do something triggering.
Nope! I do vow renewals, and elopements and I’m open to supporting other ceremonies please just ask! Celebrating friendships? Farewell parties? Divorce parties? something else? I’m all ears!
No, at the moment you still have to do your legal wedding at either the Registry Office or Embassy at the country of your residence. Most registrars will do this in their office with one witness. Once your legal wedding has taken place, you can use a celebrant for your main ceremony which can contain any content you desire.
Anything goes, in fact the more creative, the better. I positively encourage dog ring-bearers, flower-boys or couple karaoke! Want to down shots with all your guests as a finale? Why not?!
If it means something to you, let’s include it in your ceremony! This could be spiritual content, modern contemporary writing, or best of all, live music.
The best wedding ceremonies have fun and humour running through them, as well as the serious stuff. I firmly believe that it’s your ceremony, and you own it! Friends, family, children or pets can play a part – or if you like, we can get all your guests involved too!
Some celebrants consider that writing the script is a team effort between the professional and the couple. I fully agree with this principle.
More than half of my clientele lives abroad and the majority of our “lovely couples” have busy personal and professional lives. Therefore, it is not necessary to meet me in person. I have put in place an efficient working methodology, and I am available by phone, email, Skype, etc. so do not worry.
Yes and no. I prefer being completely independent and blend many ideas (religious, secular, modern or traditional) into my couples’ scripts, without imposing my own views. This creates the content that reflects your personalities and background. Often, my couples have had a religious upbringing but don’t want to marry in a formal ceremony. We can incorporate any symbolic rituals from your heritage into your personal ceremony. I often perform modern handfastings, and can offer ring-warming, a mead toast or jumping the broom as “pagan-style” enhancements.
Crete offers a package. A relaxing holiday alongside with a memorable wedding ceremony.
It is an island with wonderful beaches, hidden waterfalls and imposing mountains.
The weather conditions makes it easier to create a once in a lifetime exerience.
It’s important you have a chance to check that you’re a good match for each other. Most celebrants will be happy to meet up without obligation for a chat and a cup of coffee. If you’re further afield, an initial phone call or a chat on Skype works well.
Most of celebrants are happy to take weddings overseas and have been to some lovely places to do so! Celebrants will often let you know on their websites if they are happy to travel, but if you have found someone you would like to work with that doesn’t mention this, do just get in contact with them and ask.
Each ceremony is written specifically for the couple; there is no set format. But as a guide, a typical wedding might include readings or poems, information about the couple and why they are choosing to marry and perhaps some music. The couple will make vows or commitments to each other and often exchange rings.
It definitely takes more time and thought to arrange a symbolic ceremony than a standard church or civil wedding, but it’s well worth the effort. You will end up with a ceremony that reflects the two of you, what you value and your hopes for the future, and an occasion that is truly unique and personal. An added bonus is that most couples find the planning process interesting and fun too. For example, one recently married couple commented:
"‘I wholeheartedly recommend a humanist wedding. It is so customisable that it can surmount any boundaries of religion, culture or language. As with anything bespoke it does take a bit more time to consider material you would like the ceremony to contain, but it is so worth it. You will have a ceremony that is 100% you.’
It depends on what you want to include, but as a guide around 20-45 minutes. This is one of the aspects you can discuss with your celebrant.
There’s no rule but many celebrants do get booked up quite a while in advance, especially on weekends during the summer.
Yes, that’s fine. I am used to working with couples who live abroad with communication being via Skype and email
Celebrants are smartly, professionally, and appropriately attired. If you have a particular dress code for the occasion, do let your celebrant know.
